BIBLE READING
Pre-Convention (Grades 7-12)
PURPOSE: To provide an opportunity for young people to develop skills through the oral reading of the Scripture.
PROCESS: This event will be for grades 7-12. (Grades 3-6 can participate as a Convention Event. See Convention Event Rules in the Convention section of this manual.
Note:
Grades 3-6 may participate in Bible Reading
as a Pre-Convention event as desired,
following the 7-12 rules,
or if scheduling prevents participation in another convention event.
Each participant will:
1. Choose six different readings from Old or New Testament. (These are not required to relate to this year’s theme.)
2. Readings, including a short introduction……should be one to two minutes in length.
3. Choose readings from a standard translation, no paraphrases.
4. Be sure the certification form is complete. i.e., dates, times, verses, signatures, etc.
5. Mail the following to the Event Director:
a. The verified certification form
b. A stamped postcard with the home Church Coordinator’s mailing address or email address if receipt confirmation is requested.
THE PACKAGE MUST BE POSTMARKED
ON OR BEFORE THE PRE-CONVENTION DEADLINE
The Event Director will:
1. Send a confirmation of receipt to the home Church Coordinator if a stamped postcard or email address is included.
2. Review the Bible Reading Certification Form and send award recommendations to the Pre-Convention Coordinator.
RULES:
Pre-Convention Rules (7-12)
1. A brief introduction to the reading is required. However, the participant should not attempt to explain or interpret the passages. Participants should place major emphasis on the actual Bible reading and not on prepared statements.
2. The participant shall read before a group of people in a public setting such as: College Age Bible Class, Adult Bible Class, Ladies’ Class, Small Group of Adults, or Worship Assembly as appropriate. If the size of your group makes this difficult, readings can be done in front of one or two people. The aim is to train young people in scripture reading. Conduct your approach based on what works best for your group. If possible, each reading should take place before a different group of people and at a different date and time.
3. Although pre-convention participants will not read before “LTC” judges as at Convention, they should remember that they are leading others in the reading of God’s Word.
4. The judging form entitled, “Areas of Achieved Excellence” should be used by the judges for comments for the participant. This should be shared with the participant after each reading. It may be helpful to use multiple forms so a separate form can be shared with the participant after each reading. Participants need to know their areas of excellence and improvement. Judging should be positive and encouraging.
5. The length of the reading, including the short introduction should be from one to two minutes.
AWARDS: Pre-Convention (7-12)
1. Gold — Six (6) public readings
2. Silver — Four (4) public readings
3. Bronze — Two (2) public readings
4. Failure to follow the rules will result in a one level drop in award.
JUDGING CRITERIA:
1. Introduction – The effectiveness of the participant to identify: (1) the passage, (2) the translation, and (3) the passage setting
2. Poise – Proper poise while reading, i.e. composure, self-confidence, handling of the Bible.
3. Posture – One should stand straight with both feet firmly on the floor. Movement should only be done to emphasize a point.
4. Voice Tone – Voice tone should change to emphasize the meaning and feeling of the text.
5. Voice Volume – Voice volume can be varied to emphasize meaning and feeling in the text. Also, can the speaker be heard clearly in relationship to the room size and audience?
6. Rate and Flow – Does the reading flow well? Not too fast or too slow. Is there variety?
7. Articulation and Enunciation – Does the participant enunciate the words clearly and distinctly? Is there good articulation?
8. Eye Contact – Does the reader have the ability to make audience eye contact to give emphasis to the reading?
9. Overall Impression – What is the overall impression of the reader and his/her reading?